Car Rental in Pakistan - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Pakistan offers flexibility for exploring the country's diverse landscapes, particularly for road trips through scenic areas like the Karakoram Highway, Hunza Valley, or coastal routes along the Arabian Sea. It's most practical for countryside exploration and multi-destination journeys where public transport connections may be limited. However, car rental is generally NOT recommended for navigating major cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, where traffic congestion is intense, parking is challenging, and local driving customs can be overwhelming for tourists. Pakistan drives on the LEFT side of the road (British system), which may require adjustment for visitors from right-hand driving countries. Road conditions vary significantly—highways connecting major cities are typically well-maintained, while rural and mountainous roads can be narrow, poorly marked, and challenging, especially during monsoon season. Driving in Pakistan requires defensive skills due to unpredictable traffic behavior, mixed vehicle types (from donkey carts to trucks), and limited adherence to traffic rules. For most tourists, hiring a car WITH a local driver is the preferred option, combining flexibility with local knowledge and safer navigation. If self-driving, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage and familiarize yourself with local driving customs beforehand. An International Driving Permit is required alongside your home license.

International Driving Permit

An IDP is typically required for foreign visitors to drive legally in Pakistan. Obtain this from your home country's automobile association before traveling.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old, though specific age requirements vary by rental company. Some may charge additional fees for younger drivers.

Valid Passport

A valid passport is generally required as primary identification when renting a vehicle in Pakistan. Keep this with you while driving along with your IDP.

Credit Card for Deposit

Rental agencies typically require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for this purpose.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is usually included with rentals, but comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended due to local driving conditions. Verify coverage details with your rental agency.

Local Driving Familiarity

While not a legal requirement, familiarity with local traffic rules and driving customs in Pakistan is highly recommended. Traffic patterns and road conditions can differ significantly from Western countries.

Rent from international agencies at major airports (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad) for better vehicle condition and insurance coverage, though local agencies in cities may offer lower rates - verify insurance and vehicle documentation before booking.

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage, check spare tire and jack, verify fuel level, and photograph any scratches or dents - road conditions in Pakistan can be challenging, so ensure the car is in good condition.

Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before your trip as GPS signal can be unreliable in rural areas, and consider hiring a local driver if unfamiliar with Pakistani traffic patterns and road conditions.

Fuel stations are generally available in cities and along major highways, but fill up before long journeys or traveling to remote areas - parking in major cities can be congested, so look for paid parking areas or hotel parking when available.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level (typically full tank), allow extra time for the return inspection, and keep all fuel receipts and documentation until the security deposit is fully released.

Road conditions vary dramatically in Pakistan, from modern motorways to poorly maintained rural roads with unexpected hazards like livestock, pedestrians, and unmarked speed bumps - drive defensively and reduce speed in unfamiliar areas.

Traffic in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad becomes extremely congested during morning (8-10 AM) and evening (5-8 PM) rush hours, with lane discipline often ignored and aggressive driving common.

Local driving customs differ significantly from Western norms - expect frequent honking as communication, vehicles overtaking from any side, and motorcycles weaving through traffic regardless of lane markings.

Police and security checkpoints are common throughout Pakistan, particularly on highways and near city entry points - always carry your license, registration, and identification, and cooperate politely with officials.